types of stress and food choice

Types of stress and food choice

‘You are what you eat’, the slogan was made famous by Gillian McKeith in her BBC programme, years ago. She was demonstrating how healthy food makes people healthy and vice versa. It made me think if there is destressing food around that makes people less stressed. And I discovered that any food with a lot of antioxidants helps reduce stress. Here is the top 7.

1. Anti-stress Fruit
Wild Blueberries: One of the top sources of antioxidants in the fruit world and one of the only naturally blue foods, these little fruits are packed with nutrients to help your body defend against inflammation. Find frozen wild blueberries in the freezer section and add them to yogurt, oatmeal, muffins, salads and side dishes.
2. Anti-stress Vegetables
Broccoli, Asparagus, Avocado, Kale and Brussels Sprouts are all excellent sources of antioxidants (and more goodness). There are great variaties of preparing, such as broccoli houmous or kale chips.
3. Anti-stress Grains
Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) is the new kid on the block. It is a grain-like crop grown with edible seeds and offers high-quality protein and fiber. The rice-like granules contain ample magnesium, potassium, zinc, vitamin E, riboflavin and more iron than true grains. It can be eaten instead of rice but also works as a salad.
4. Anti-stress Dairy
Non-Fat Greek Yogurt: Provides double the protein of most regular yogurts. Also an excellent source of calcium and loaded with friendly bacteria (the probiotics which promote good digestion and boost immunity)
5. Anti-stress Beans
Edamame (green soybeans): low in fat, no cholesterol, and high in folate, potassium, iron and magnesium. As this is the only complete protein found in the plant world, edamame is a great substitute for meat.
6. Anti-stress Protein
Salmon: the highest quality of omega-3 content, protective against inflammation.
Turkey: promotes the production of serotonin, a ‘stress-eating’ hormone.
7. Anti-stress Super Spice
Basil: contains essential oils that function as potent anti-inflammatory agents
Turmeric: with high antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.

Eating the right food helps to feel  less stressed, but what about meditation? Click here to read more

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This article is based on an article published in the past in Austin Daily Herald, posted by Jen Haugen, April 2012

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